The death toll from the collapse of the roof of the renowned Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic has risen to nearly 200 people. The incident which marked one of the country’s most devastating tragedies in recent history occurred around 1 a.m. on Tuesday during a performance by celebrated merengue artist Rubby Pérez and his orchestra. Authorities reported that over 300 people were inside the club when the roof caved in. Pérez’s body was found Wednesday morning, according to emergency services. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, confirmed that at least 184 individuals, including two former Major League Baseball players, were killed. Although 145 people had been rescued alive by Tuesday, officials have not yet released a total number of injured victims. The number of people still unaccounted for remains uncertain.
Rescue teams announced the suspension of further search efforts on Wednesday after recovering 20 additional bodies from the rubble. Many victims have yet to be identified. Aerial footage of the scene revealed a gaping hole in the center of the venue, where the audience had gathered.
Outside the destroyed nightclub, desperate families gathered on Wednesday, anxiously awaiting news. Some searched through lists at a field hospital, while others visited local hospitals hoping for information.
Rescue teams had been working relentlessly since Tuesday. “These past two days have been mentally exhausting,” one responder told CNN. “It’s hard when people are still trapped.”
Videos from the night show the horrifying moment the tragedy unfolded. In one clip, while the band performs, someone near the stage notices debris falling. Seconds later, lights begin to collapse and the roof gives way, with screams and crashing sounds cutting the footage short.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that at least one U.S. citizen and several U.S. residents were among the victims.
Among the dead was former MLB player Octavio Dotel. According to Méndez and Dotel’s foundation, he was rescued alive but died en route to the hospital. His academy, Colegio Sabiduría y Baluarte, issued a tribute, saying he “left an indelible mark on all of us.”
Former MLB player Tony Blanco also died in the incident, the Dominican Sports Ministry and MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred confirmed. “We share in the grief of his family and offer our prayers,” the ministry stated.
Another victim was Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi province and a relative of MLB star Nelson Cruz. The family expressed deep sorrow in a statement.
Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez revealed on Instagram that several of his relatives remain missing. “We are heartbroken and mourning this tragedy alongside so many others,” he wrote.
Among the missing is the son of Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella, officials said.
Survivors are also beginning to share their stories. Zulinka Pérez, daughter of Rubby Pérez, credited her survival to her husband, who shielded her and urged her to flee for the sake of their child. He escaped but suffered a broken leg.
According to First Lady Raquel Arbaje, Gov. Cruz managed to call President Luis Abinader while trapped under the debris, prompting an immediate mobilization of emergency services.
President Abinader has declared three days of national mourning and visited the site on Tuesday morning alongside First Lady Arbaje. “We are devastated by the tragedy at Jet Set nightclub,” he posted on X. “Rescue teams are working tirelessly. Our prayers go out to the affected families.”
Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó also expressed condolences, calling it “a terrible tragedy” and offering support to grieving families.
Jet Set nightclub, known for its vibrant Monday night shows, is one of the Dominican Republic’s most iconic entertainment venues. The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the nation and beyond.